Forum for Women Students - Annual Report (2007-2008)

Women students are allowed to begin their academic career only at the Postgraduate level. At Under Graduate level only Visual Communication (1989) and French Literature (2000) are co-education. Currently there are about 400 women students in the college, excluding Diploma and Certificate courses provided by allied Institutes in the campus.

Loyola women students are guided by their women Co-coordinators. Dr. Indira Rajasingh, Department of Mathematics Co-ordinated women student's activities for six years. Prof. Rebecca George, Department of French, was her successor. Followed by Dr. Rajalakshmi Rajagopalan who organized a seminar for women students on Gender sensitivity, where about 10 colleges participated. She was the key figure behind the Forum for Loyola Women Students, which conducts various activities for women students in Loyola College.

Dr. Pauline was the Women's co-coordinator from 2000-2004. As part of the women's forum she arranged a seminar on “Abortion and its impact of Human Health” for Post graduation students. Dr. J. M. V. Kalaiarasi conducted the seminar. Dr. Pauline took initiative in formulating the dress code for women students.

Dr. J. M. V. Kalaiarasi, from the Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, was the next women's coordinator from 2004-2007. She was the first women's coordinator officially designated as “Dean of Women Students”.

“Women Forum 2004-2005” was inaugurated on 3rd August 2004 by Smt. Kannagi Packianathan, I.A.S., and Rev. Dr. A. Albert Muthumalai, S.J,. An exclusive Logo for Women's Forum – “A girl with two wings” (one with Flowers and other with Fire), depicting the women's inner strength and beauty emerged during this period . This logo was designed by Sylvia of first year M.Sc Physics. The student co-ordinator Jasmine Deepthi, and the class representatives took the pledge to render their services to the forum.

Dr. J. M. V. Kalaiarasi established a mini library with the support of Rev. Fr. Andrew, S.J., and Librarian Mr. K.T.Dilli.

Women students got due postings for the first time as co-coordinators in the College Students Union from 2004 Ovations onwards. Eor the year 2006-2007 Ms. Rosilis Francis (II MA English Literature) was nominated as Associate secretary of students union. For this academic year 2007-2008 Ms. Bertilla (II M.Sc Visual communication) took charge as new Associate Secretary.

Prof. (Ms) Mary Swornambal, Department of Tamil, has been appointed as Dean of Women Students, during the month of June 2007. Prof. (Ms) Sushama Rajan, Department of Commerce (SFC), was appointed as Women Student's Co-ordinator (Shift-II) during the month of June 2008.

“Women Forum 2007-2008” was inaugurated on 6 th August 2007, by Mr. M. Ravi, I.P.S., Joint Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai. Ms. A. Arokia Ahino Jessie, student from the Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology was nominated as Student Co-ordinator and took the oath during the Women Forum inauguration. Elected class representatives also took the oath.

A suggestion box is kept in women's common room to post the suggestion of the women students regarding their needs and complain.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WOMEN FORUM:

•  To hold monthly meeting with the women class representatives to full fill their needs.

•  To publish a quarterly news letter of women students.

•  To project film on various women's issue.

•  To organize a state level seminar on women mental health.

•  To hold the national level seminar on social discrimination faced by women.

•  To conduct group discussion on various women related issues.

•  To organize Inter-collegiate cultural competition for Women students.

•  To conduct inter- departmental competitions as part of the Women's Day celebration.

•  To celebrate International Women's Day.

•  To visit “The New Life Charitable Trust” to expose students to the condition of Orphans.  

Prof. (Ms) Mary Swornambal, Dean of Women Students, Loyola College, Chennai - 600 034. Ph: 91 44 28178388	Prof. (Ms) Sushama Rajan, Co-ordinator of Women Students - Shift II Loyola College, Chennai - 600 034.